IMPACTS OF APHTHOUS ULCERS ON QUALITY OF LIFE OF ADULT PATIENTS

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of aphthous ulcers on the quality of life of adult patients using the Thai version of the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14). The questionnaire consists of 7 domains for a total of 14 items, with responses based on the frequency of the problems experienced. Each item is scored from 0-4, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 56 points. Data were collected from 34 patients with aphthous ulcers who received treatment at the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University. Of these, 25 were female and 9 were male, with an average age of 26.6 years. The results showed that the most common site for aphthous ulcers was the lower lip, followed by the buccal mucosa, alveolar mucosa, upper lip, and the vestibule. Aphthous ulcers had a negative impact on patients’ quality of life, with the average overall impact score of 23.9. The ulcers had the greatest impact on making eating inconvenient, with an average score of 3.1. This was followed by dissatisfaction with eating, with an average score of 2.9, and pain, with an average score of 2.8. The domain with the lowest average score was concern about appearance, with an average of 0.9, and feelings of embarrassment, with an average of 0.3. In conclusion, aphthous ulcers affect patients’ quality of life by interfering with their daily activities, while having a lesser impact on their mental health.